Ján Hollý

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Ján Holly (1785 - 1849) was a Slovak poet and translator.

He was the first greater Slovak poet, who wrote in Slovak exclusively (his predecessors mostly wrote in various versions of Czech, Slovakized Czech or Latin).

[edit] Life

He studied in Skalica, Bratislava and Trnava. He was a Catholic priest at Madunice near Piešťany, where he wrote all his major works sitting below a big tree.

He was an active member of the Slovak national revival movement.

[edit] Views

Nobleminded patriot, proud of historical roots of nation, he appreciated the humanity of Slovaks, their hard-working nature, peaceability, love and respect for freedom.

[edit] Works

He wrote poetry, translated ancient poetry to Anton Bernolák's version of Slovak standard language (see History of the Slovak language).

He used the topic of Great-Moravian ruler Svätopluk to encourage the nation.

Major works (big poetic compositions):

• Svatopluk
• Cyrilo-Metodiáda
• Sláv